What My Son’s Autism Taught Me About Life and Love

When my son Julian was diagnosed with autism at age 3, I couldn’t accept it. I fought it with everything I had—internally, emotionally, even intellectually. I believed autism was something to “fix,” a detour from the bright future I had imagined for my child. It took years—and a lot of humility—for me to understand that autism wasn’t something that happened to Julian. It is Julian.

What started as resistance has transformed into deep gratitude. Today, I am proud of the journey we’ve taken as a family. And most of all, I’m proud of the lessons Julian continues to teach me every day: patience, joy, empathy, and the ability to live in the present moment.

Understanding Autism Means Letting Go of Expectations

Like many parents, I had a roadmap in my head. Milestones, achievements, a timeline of growth and success. But autism changed that map—and in doing so, gave us something more valuable: presence.

Julian’s joy is unfiltered and deeply authentic. Whether he's immersed in a Disney movie or waving enthusiastically at a stranger in the mall, he reminds us what it means to fully embrace life. He is 31 now and, although he doesn’t drive, live alone, or follow a traditional career path, he brings an irreplaceable richness to our family.

Still, it hasn't always been easy. There have been breakdowns, public outbursts, moments of violence, and deep uncertainty. But with the right structure, support, and love, we’ve built a life that works—for him and for us.

The Right Support Makes All the Difference

One of the most transformative parts of our journey has been finding the right professionals to support Julian. Early on, we realized that specialized help wasn’t optional—it was essential. That’s why we value the dedication and expertise of ABA therapists in North Carolina who truly understand what families like ours go through.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is more than a therapy—it’s a lifeline. It provides structure, encourages communication, and gives individuals on the autism spectrum practical tools to navigate the world. For parents, it offers relief, guidance, and real hope. Today, ABA therapy remains a foundational part of our care plan for Julian, and it’s made a meaningful difference in his development and our family’s well-being.

We're Here to Help Families on This Path

At Astra ABA, we know that every autism journey is different—but no family should have to walk it alone. We’ve built our team around compassion, experience, and personalized care because we’ve seen what’s possible when the right help is in place.

Get in touch today to learn more about how our ABA therapists in North Carolina can support your family. We offer personalized therapy plans that focus on meaningful progress—whether your child is newly diagnosed or continuing their journey. We’re here to listen, to guide, and to provide the consistent support your child deserves.

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